Tensions soar in Kishtwar as BJP candidate allegedly heckled, NC, PDP accused

Shagun says browbeaten accusing playing"victim card" to attract “sentimental votes

JAMMU: Tensions escalated at the Government Middle School Bagwan polling station in Kishtwar during the first phase of assembly elections.
The situation became volatile when BJP candidate Shagun Parihar and PDP candidate Firdous Ahmed Tak clashed over voter identification procedures, leading to a physical altercation and protests.
The trouble began when Shagun Parihar expressed concern over what she suspected to be the use of fake voter ID cards by some female voters, who were wearing burqas and attempting to vote without proper identification.
Shagun insisted that these voters show their Aadhaar cards to verify their identity, a demand that triggered a sharp reaction from the opposing camp.
Speaking to The News Now, Shagun accused the PDP of reacting aggressively to her inquiry, with Tak’s supporters heckling her when she questioned the legitimacy of the voters.
“I was heckled by PDP goons when I objected to some females voting without proper voter ID cards,” said Shagun. “I asked them to show Aadhaar cards, which is a valid form of identification. Instead of addressing the issue, the PDP candidate and his supporters pushed and heckled me.”
Shagun further claimed that National Conference (NC) members joined in the altercation, verbally abusing her at the polling booth. According to her, NC workers went as far as threatening to drag her out of the polling station.
She accused both the PDP and NC of attacking her for allegedly trying to gain sympathy from voters, accusing her of playing the "victim card" to attract what they termed as “sentimental votes.”
Firdous Ahmed Tak, the PDP candidate, disputed Shagun’s account, asserting that only authorized polling staff was allowed to check voter IDs.
He objected to Shagun taking on that role herself. Tak also alleged that, when he raised his objections, a senior police officer assaulted him, further accusing some officers of showing favoritism toward the BJP candidate.
As the dispute escalated, the situation at the polling station grew tense, with Tak’s supporters staging a protest outside. Kishtwar Police and the District Election Officer quickly intervened to deescalate the situation.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Kotwal arrived at the scene and reassured both parties that the matter would be investigated. He directed the sector magistrate to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and submit a report.
"There was some issue regarding identity cards, which was resolved in time. The sector magistrate is present, and voting is proceeding peacefully," Kotwal stated.
After receiving assurances that the incident would be investigated, the protesters dispersed. Shagun Parihar was escorted from the polling station to ensure her safety, and voting resumed without further disruptions.
This incident occurred amid the excitement and tension of the first phase of the assembly elections, where 64 candidates, including 25 independents, contested seats in eight constituencies, including the newly established Doda West and Padar Nagaseni constituencies.

Updated On 9/19/2024 4:00:58 AM